EP3201347A1

EP3201347A1 - Methods and systems for carbon dioxide sequestration

Info

Publication number: EP3201347A1
Application number: EP15847830.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ettigounder Ponnusamy; Venkatesalu BAKTHAVACHALAM; Steven WALTON
Original assignee: Sigma Aldrich Co LLC
Current assignee: Sigma Aldrich Co LLC
Priority date: 2014-10-02
Filing date: 2015-10-02
Publication date: 2017-08-09
Also published as: WO2016054533A1; EP3201347A4; US20160097067A1

Abstract

Methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide and, in particular, methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide by reacting carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase and a salt. Processes for producing 3-phosphoglycerate are also provided. In addition, uses for the 3-phosphoglycerate produced by the methods and systems are provided.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE SEQUESTRATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/058,808, filed on October 2, 2014. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to carbon dioxide sequestration and, in particular, enzyme-based methods and systems for the preparation of 3-phosphoglycerate from carbon dioxide.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Global climate change is a well-established and an ever increasing problem. A significant contributor to climate change is the unregulated release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels in large point sources, such as electricity generating power plants. To combat climate change, many countries are enacting strict carbon dioxide emission limits. These regulations, among other things, will require large point source emitters of carbon dioxide to reduce emissions by capturing and sequestering the CO₂.

[0004] In general, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as applied to CO₂ involves several steps including: (a) capturing CO₂ from a source such as, for example, the output of an energy production process; (b) conveying the CO₂ to a treatment site; and (c) treating the CO₂ to prepare it for storage or disposal. To be commercially feasible, any CCS process should be fast, efficient, economical and minimally impactful on the environment. Although there are currently several options for CCS, the known technologies suffer from a variety of inefficiencies. Some require expensive transportation of materials. Others require permanent storage of sequestered CO₂. And still others are difficult or expensive to implement at existing and/or new facilities.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a continued need for improved methods and systems for carbon dioxide sequestration. Such methods and systems should be suitable for handling large scale amounts of carbon dioxide. Also, the methods and systems should be commercially viable. In addition, the methods and systems should be cost effective. It would also be beneficial for the methods and systems to be easy to retrofit to old power plants and be suitable for use with future power plants.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods of sequestering carbon dioxide comprising a reacting step, wherein carbon dioxide is reacted with an organic substrate, a carboxylase, and a salt under conditions suitable to form a large scale amount of 3- phosphoglycerate. In one particular embodiment, the methods can form at least 400,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate. In another particular embodiment, the methods can form at least 600,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate. In yet another particular embodiment, the methods can form at least 800,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate. In a further particular embodiment, the methods can form at least 1,000,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate.

[0007] In one embodiment, the organic substrate is a D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate sodium salt hydrate.

[0008] In another embodiment, the carboxylase is a D-ribulose 1,5 -diphosphate carboxylase. [0009] In yet another embodiment, the salt is magnesium chloride.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the reacting step is performed in a solution. In one embodiment, the solution comprises a buffer. In another embodiment, the solution further comprises an optional anti-foaming agent.

[0011] In still a further embodiment, the methods comprise separating the carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases.

[0012] In another embodiment, the methods comprise obtaining the carboxylase from spinach.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the methods comprise forming the ribulose 1,5- diphosphate carboxylase by a batch process. In an alternate embodiment, the methods comprise forming the ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase by a flow process. [0014] In still a further embodiment, the reacting step comprises reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase, and the salt at a temperature of about 15 to about 50°C.

[0015] In another embodiment, the reacting step comprises reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase, and the salt for about 1 to about 6 hours.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the reacting step comprises reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase, and the salt at a pH of about 6 to about 8.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the methods further comprise isolating the 3- phosphoglycerate. In one embodiment, the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises separating the 3-phosphoglycerate from a solvent. In another embodiment, the isolating the 3- phosphoglycerate further comprises optionally recycling the solvent. In yet another embodiment, the solvent is water. In a further embodiment, the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises precipitating the 3-phosphoglycerate. In still a further embodiment, the isolating the 3- phosphoglycerate comprises drying the 3-phosphoglycerate. In one particular embodiment, the drying the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises spray drying the 3-phosphoglycerate.

[0018] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides processes for forming a 3- phosphoglycerate comprising a reacting step, wherein carbon dioxide is reacted with an organic substrate, a carboxylase, and a salt under conditions suitable to form a large scale amount of 3- phosphoglycerate. In one particular embodiment, the processes can form at least 400,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate. In another particular embodiment, the processes can form at least 600,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate. In yet another particular embodiment, the processes can form at least 800,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate. In a further particular embodiment, the processes can form at least 1,000,000 metric tons/year of 3- pho sphoglycerate .

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides systems for sequestering carbon dioxide comprising a main reactor. The main reactor comprises a carbon dioxide inlet for introducing carbon dioxide into the main reactor; and a 3-phosphoglycerate outlet for removing 3-phosphoglycerate from the main reactor. In addition, the main reactor defines a reaction zone for reacting the carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase and a salt. In one particular embodiment, the reaction zone is at least 100,000L.

[0020] In one embodiment, the systems comprise a carboxylase inlet for introducing a carboxylase into the main reactor.

[0021] In another embodiment, the systems comprise a flow reactor operatively connected to the carboxylase inlet for continuously flowing the carboxylase into the main reactor.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the systems comprise an anti-foaming agent inlet for introducing an anti-foaming agent into the main reactor.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the systems comprise a precipitation reactor operatively connected to the 3-phosphoglycerate outlet for receiving a solution comprising the 3- phosphoglycerate and a solvent from the main reactor, wherein the precipitation reactor defines a precipitation zone for reacting the solution with a precipitation agent to form a precipitate comprising the 3-phosphoglycerate. In one embodiment, the precipitation reactor comprises a precipitation agent inlet for introducing the precipitation agent into the precipitation reactor. In another embodiment, a centrifuge is operatively connected to the precipitation reactor for receiving the 3-phosphoglycerate and the solvent and for separating the 3-phosphoglycerate from the solvent. In one embodiment, a recycle stream is operatively connected to the centrifuge for receiving the solvent and operatively connected to the main reactor for supplying the solvent to the main reactor. In another embodiment, a dryer is operatively connected to the centrifuge for receiving and drying the 3-phosphoglycerate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Definitions

[0024] As used herein, the term "sequestration" is used to refer generally to techniques or practices whose partial or whole effect is to remove C0₂ from point emissions sources and, preferably, to store that C0₂ in some form so as to prevent its return to the atmosphere.

[0025] The term, "a large scale amount," refers to an amount suitable for industrial application. In an embodiment, a large scale amount is at least 400,000 metric tons/year. In other embodiments, a large scale amount is at least 600,000 metric tons/year, at least 800,000 metric tons/year, or at least 1,000,000 metric tons/year.

[0026] The words "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively.

II. Methods of Sequestering Carbon Dioxide

[0027] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, methods of sequestering carbon dioxide are provided. According to the methods, carbon dioxide is obtained from a suitable source. The carbon dioxide is then reacted with an organic substrate, a carboxylase and a salt under conditions suitable to form 3-phosphoglycerate (also known as (2R)-2-hydroxy-3- phosphonooxypropanoic acid; CAS Number 820- 11-1). The 3-phosphoglycerate is then optionally isolated for further use. The reaction of carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt can be performed under conditions that form a large scale amount of 3- phosphoglycerate. In particular, the methods can form at least 400,000 metric tons/year, at least 600,000 metric tons/year, at least 800,000 metric tons/year, or at least 1,000,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate.

[0028] Broadly, the carbon dioxide can be obtained from any one of a variety of sources of either purified carbon dioxide or mixtures of gases comprising carbon dioxide. More specifically, the carbon dioxide can be obtained from flue gases, waste streams, power plant emissions, and combinations thereof. In particular, the carbon dioxide can be obtained by post-combustion capture that separates C0₂ from flue gases produced by combustion of a primary fuel (e.g. , coal, natural gas, oil or biomass) in air; pre-combustion capture wherein a primary fuel is processed to produce a separate stream of C0₂; oxyfuel combustion that uses oxygen instead of air for combustion, producing a flue gas that is mainly H₂0 and C0₂; and combinations thereof. The flue gases and/or C0₂ streams can be used untreated. Alternatively, the flue gases and/or C0₂ streams can be treated before being reacted with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt. For example, the flue gases and/or C0₂ streams can be treated to increase the concentration of carbon dioxide and/or to remove other unwanted materials (such as particulates, water, etc.). [0029] Any of a variety of known organic substrates can be used. For example, the organic substrate can be a ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (also known as ribulose 1,5-diphosphate). The ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. Alternatively, the ribulose 1,5- bisphosphate can be an L-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. Further, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a mixture of D- and L-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphates. In addition, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate hydrate. Further, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate salt. The ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate salt can be a sodium salt. Alternatively, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate salt can be a potassium salt. In particular, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate sodium salt hydrate.

[0030] With respect to the carboxylase, any of a variety of carboxylases can be used provided that the carboxylase is stable at the relevant temperature. For example, the carboxylase can be a ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO; also known as ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase). The ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be a D- ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase. Alternatively, the ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be an L-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase. In addition, the carboxylase can be a naturally occurring RUBISCO. Alternatively, the carboxylase can be a modified RUBISCO (see Chatterjee et al., International Research Journal of Plant Science, 2011, 2(2), 022-024).

[0031] The carboxylase can be obtained from a variety of sources. For example, the carboxylase can be obtained from animal sources, plant sources, microorganisms {e.g., bacteria), algae and/or recombinant sources. In particular embodiments, when the carboxylase is D- ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase, the carboxylase can be isolated from a plant {e.g., spinach, see US Patent No. 6,245,541 to Robert Houtz; and/or tobacco, see Lin et al., Nature, 2014, 513, 547-558). Alternatively, the D-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be isolated from a cyanobacteria. In addition, the D-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be isolated from C4 plants or rhodophytes in C3 plant hosts (see US Patent Publication No. 2009/0172842 (Caspar et al.)). Further, the D-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be isolated from Escherichia coli K-12 (see Kleman et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1996, 62:9, 3502-3507).

[0032] In addition, the carboxylase can be produced using a batch process. Alternatively, the carboxylase can be produced using a flow process. [0033] Any of a variety of salts can be used. In particular, the salt can be magnesium chloride (MgCl₂). Alternatively, the salt can be potassium chloride (KC1).

[0034] The reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt can be performed in a solution. In particular embodiment, the reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt is performed in an aqueous solution (i.e. , a solution wherein the solvent comprises water).

[0035] The solution optionally comprises a buffer. In particular, the buffer can be an organic buffer. Any of a variety of organic buffers having a neutral pH (i.e. , a pH of 6.5-7.5) can be used. In particular, the buffer can be 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-l,3-propanediol (e.g. , Trizma® base solution, available from Sigma- Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). Alternatively, the buffer can be 4- (2-hydroxyeihyl)- 1. -piperazineethanesuif onic acid (HEPES, available from Sigma- Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). Further, although it would be understood that the concentration of buffer can be varied depending on the buffer being used and the reaction conditions, the concentration of buffer can be between 0.5 and 5M. In a particular embodiment, the concentration of buffer is between 0.8 and 1.2 M. In another particular embodiment, the concentration of buffer is about 1M.

[0036] In addition, the solution optionally comprises an anti-foaming agent. The anti- foaming agent serves to prevent the solution from foaming upon stirring, thereby allowing the flow of C0₂ through the solution from being increased. Any of a variety of known anti-foaming agents can be used. For example, the anti-foaming agent can be any of a variety of known anti- foaming agents that function at neutral pH. In particular, the anti-foaming agent can be Antifoam B Emulsion (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). It will be understood that the concentration of anti-foaming agent will vary depending on a variety of factors; however, the anti-foaming agent will typically be present in a concentration sufficient to allow the solution to be stirred without causing the solution to overflow due to foaming.

[0037] The specific reaction conditions employed will depend on many factors, including, but not being limited to, the organic substrate, the carboxylase, the salt and the buffer, if used. Accordingly, the reaction can be performed at under a variety of conditions. However, in particular, the reaction can be conducted at a temperature of between about 15 and about 50°C, between about 25 and about 40°C, or between about 30 and about 35°C. In addition, the reaction can be allowed to progress for between about 1 and about 24 hours, between about 1 and about 6 hours, or between about 1 and about 2 hours. Further, the reaction can be conducted at a pH between about 6 and about 8, or between about 6.5 and about 7.5.

[0038] The methods of the present disclosure optionally comprise isolating the 3- phosphoglycerate. The 3-phosphoglycerate can be isolated using any of a variety of methods. In particular, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be isolated by separating the 3-phosphoglycerate from the solvent. In one embodiment, the 3-phosphoglycerate is precipitated from the solvent. Precipitation of the 3-phosphoglycertae can be accomplished using a precipitation agent. It will be understood that the particular precipitation agent used will depend on many factors, including (but not being limited to) the organic substrate, the carboxylase, the salt and the solvent. However, suitable precipitation agents include barium salts, calcium salts and the like.

[0039] In addition, the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate optionally comprises recycling the solvent. The recycled solvent can be obtained when the 3-phosphoglycerate is separated from the solvent. In particular, the recycled solvent can be obtained when the 3-phosphoglycerate is precipitated from the solvent. Further, the recycled solvent can be used for any of a variety of purposes. In particular, however, the recycled solvent can be used when the carbon dioxide is reacted with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt.

[0040] The isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate also optionally comprises drying the 3- phosphoglycerate. The 3-phosphoglycerate can be dried using any of a variety of techniques. For example, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be air dried. Alternatively, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be dried in an oven. As another alternative, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be spray dried.

[0041] The 3-phosphoglycerate can be isolated for any of a variety of reasons. For example, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be used as an industrial raw material. In addition, the 3- phosphoglycerate can be used as a fertilizer. The 3-phosphoglycerate can also be used to react with ATP to generate ribulose 1,5-biphosphate (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,258,335 (Bhattacharya)). III. Processes for Forming a 3-Phosphoglycerate

[0042] In another aspect of the present disclosure, processes for forming 3-phosphoglycerate is provided. The processes comprise reacting carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase, and a salt under conditions suitable to form a large scale amount of the 3- phosphoglycerate. In particular, the processes can form at least 400,000 metric tons/year, at least 600,000 metric tons/year, at least 800,000 metric tons/year, or at least 1,000,000 metric tons/year of 3-phosphoglycerate.

[0043] Broadly, the carbon dioxide can be obtained from any of a variety of sources of either purified carbon dioxide or mixtures of gases comprising carbon dioxide. More specifically, the carbon dioxide can be obtained from flue gases, waste streams, power plant emissions, and combinations thereof. In particular, the carbon dioxide can be obtained by post-combustion capture that separates C0₂ from flue gases produced by combustion of a primary fuel (e.g. , coal, natural gas, oil or biomass) in air; pre-combustion capture, wherein a primary fuel is processed to produce a separate stream of C0₂; oxyfuel combustion that uses oxygen instead of air for combustion, producing a flue gas that is mainly H₂0 and C0₂; and combinations thereof. The flue gases and/or C0₂ streams can be used untreated. Alternatively, the flue gases and/or C0₂ streams can be treated before being reacted with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt. For example, the flue gases and/or C0₂ streams can be treated to increase the concentration of carbon dioxide and/or to remove other unwanted materials (such as particulates, water, etc.).

[0044] Any of a variety of known organic substrates can be used. For example, the organic substrate can be a ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (also known as ribulose 1,5-diphosphate). The ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. Alternatively, the ribulose 1,5- bisphosphate can be an L-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. Further, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a mixture of D- and L-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphates. In addition, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate hydrate. Further, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate salt. The ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate salt can be a sodium salt. Alternatively, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate salt can be a potassium salt. In particular, the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate can be a D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate sodium salt hydrate. [0045] With respect to the carboxylase, any of a variety of carboxylases can be used provided that the carboxylase is stable at the relevant temperature. For example, the carboxylase can be a ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO; also known as ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase). The ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be a D- ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase. Alternatively, the ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be an L-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase. In addition, the carboxylase can be a naturally occurring RUBISCO. Alternatively, the carboxylase can be a modified RUBISCO (see Chatterjee et al., International Research Journal of Plant Science, 2011, 2(2), 022-024).

[0046] The carboxylase can be obtained from a variety of sources. For example, the carboxylase can be obtained from animal sources, plant sources, microorganisms {e.g., bacteria), algae and/or recombinant sources. In particular embodiments, when the carboxylase is D- ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase, the carboxylase can be isolated from a plant {e.g., spinach, see US Patent No. 6,245,541 to Robert Houtz; and/or tobacco, see Lin et al., Nature, 2014, 513, 547-558). Alternatively, the D-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be isolated from a cyanobacteria. In addition, the D-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be isolated from C4 plants or rhodophytes in C3 plant hosts (see US Patent Publication No. 2009/0172842 (Caspar et al.)). Further, the D-ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase can be isolated from Escherichia coli K-12 (see Kleman et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1996, 62:9, 3502-3507).

[0047] In addition, the carboxylase can be produced using a batch process. Alternatively, the carboxylase can be produced using a flow process.

[0048] Any of a variety of salts can be used. In particular, the salt can be magnesium chloride (MgCl₂). Alternatively, the salt can be potassium chloride (KC1).

[0049] The step of reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt is preferably performed in solution. In particular, the step of reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt is preferably performed in an aqueous solution {i.e., a solution wherein the solvent comprises water).

[0050] The solution optionally comprises a buffer. In particular, the buffer can be an organic buffer. Any of a variety of organic buffers having a neutral pH {i.e., a pH of about 6.5 to about 7.5) can be used. In particular, the buffer can be 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-l,3-propanediol (e.g. , Trizma® base solution available from Sigma- Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). Alternatively, the buffer can be 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES, available from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). Further, although it would be understood that the concentration of buffer can be varied depending on the buffer being used and the reaction conditions, the concentration of buffer is preferably between about 0.5 and about 5M. In a particular embodiment, the concentration of buffer is between about 0.8 and about 1.2 M. In a particular embodiment, the concentration of buffer is about 1M.

[0051] In addition, the solution optionally comprises an anti-foaming agent. The anti- foaming agent serves to prevent the solution from foaming upon stirring, thereby allowing the flow of C0₂ through the solution from being increased. Any of a variety of known anti-foaming agents can be used. For example, the anti-foaming agent can be any of a variety of known anti- foaming agents that function at neutral pH. In particular, the anti-foaming agent can be Antifoam B Emulsion (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). It will be understood that the concentration of anti-foaming agent will vary depending on a variety of factors; however, the antifoaming agent will typically be present in a concentration sufficient to allow the solution to be stirred without causing the solution to overflow.

[0052] The specific reaction conditions employed will depend on many factors, including, but not being limited to, the organic substrate, the carboxylase, the salt and the buffer, if used. Accordingly, the reaction can be performed at under a variety of conditions. However, in particular, the reaction can be conducted at a temperature of between about 15 and about 50°C, between about 25 and about 40°C, or between about 30 and about 35°C. In addition, the reaction can be allowed to progress for between about 1 and about 24 hours, between about 1 and about 6 hours, or between about 1 and about 2 hours. Further, the reaction can be conducted at a pH between about 6 and about 8, or between about 6.5 and about 7.5.

[0053] The methods of the present disclosure optionally comprise isolating the 3- phosphoglycerate. The 3-phosphoglycerate can be isolated using any of a variety of methods. In particular, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be isolated by separating the 3-phosphoglycerate from the solvent. In one embodiment, the 3-phosphoglycerate is precipitated from the solvent. Precipitation of the 3-phosphoglycertae can be accomplished using a precipitation agent. It will be understood that the particular precipitation agent used will depend on many factors, including (but not being limited to) the organic substrate, the carboxylase, the salt and the solvent. However, suitable precipitation agents include barium salts, calcium salts and the like.

[0054] In addition, the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate optionally comprises recycling the solvent. The recycled solvent can be obtained when the 3-phosphoglycerate is separated from the solvent. In particular, the recycled solvent can be obtained when the 3-phosphoglycerate is precipitated from the solvent. Further, the recycled solvent can be used for any of a variety of purposes. In particular, however, the recycled solvent can be used when the carbon dioxide is reacted with the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt.

[0055] The isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate also optionally comprises drying the 3- phosphoglycerate. The 3-phosphoglycerate can be dried using any of a variety of techniques. For example, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be air dried. Alternatively, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be dried in an oven. As another alternative, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be spray dried.

[0056] The 3-phosphoglycerate can be isolated for any of a variety of reasons. For example, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be used as an industrial raw material. In addition, the 3- phosphoglycerate can be used as a fertilizer. The 3-phosphoglycerate can also be used to react with ATP to generate ribulose 1,5-biphosphate (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,258,335 (Bhattacharya)).

III. Systems for Sequestering Carbon Dioxide

[0057] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, systems for sequestering carbon dioxide are provided. The systems comprise a main reactor comprising a carbon dioxide inlet and a 3-phosphoglycerate outlet. The main reactor defines a reaction zone. The reaction zone holds the organic substrate, the carboxylase and the salt for reaction with the carbon dioxide. In particular, the reaction zone of the main reactor can be sized on a scale suitable for producing large scale amounts of 3-phosphoglycerate. For example, the reaction zone of the main reactor can be at least 100,000L, at least 150,000L, or at least 200,000L.

[0058] When the ribulose 1,5 -diphosphate carboxylase is to be formed by a batch process, the carboxylase can be introduced directly into the reaction zone of the main reactor. Alternatively, a carboxylase source can be introduced into the main reactor so that the carboxylase can be formed in situ within the main reactor. However, when the ribulose 1,5- diphosphate carboxylase is to be formed by a flow process, the carboxylase can be produced outside of the main reactor and then introduced into the reaction zone. Accordingly, the main reactor may optionally comprise a carboxylase inlet to facilitate introduction of the carboxylase or carboxylase source into the main reactor. In addition, the main reactor may optionally comprise an anti-foaming agent inlet for introducing an anti-foaming agent into the main reactor.

[0059] The carbon dioxide inlet is used to facilitate introduction of carbon dioxide into the reaction zone of the main reactor. Accordingly, the carbon dioxide inlet can be operatively connected to a carbon dioxide source. In particular, the carbon dioxide source can be a waste stream. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide source can be a flue gas from, for example, a power plant (i.e., a coal burning power plant). A regulator or flow meter is optionally provided for adjusting the flow rate of C0₂.

[0060] The 3-phosphoglycerate outlet is used to remove 3-phosphoglycerate from the main reactor. In particular, the 3-phosphoglycerate can be removed from the main reactor as a solution comprising the 3-phosphoglycerate and a solvent. In particular, the solvent can be water.

[0061] The systems of the present disclosure may also optionally comprise a precipitation reactor. The precipitation reactor is operatively connected to the 3-phosphoglycerate outlet of the main reactor for receiving the solution comprising the 3-phosphoglycerate and the solvent from the main reactor. The precipitation reactor defines a precipitation zone, wherein the solution is treated to precipitate the 3-phosphoglycerate. In particular, the solution can be treated by introducing a precipitation reagent into the precipitation reactor to facilitate precipitation of the 3-phosphoglycerate. Accordingly, the precipitation reactor may optionally comprise a precipitation agent inlet for introducing the precipitation agent into the precipitation reactor.

[0062] In addition, the systems of the present disclosure optionally comprise a centrifuge operatively connected to the main reactor or, if used, the precipitation reactor. The centrifuge receives the precipitate comprising the 3-phosphoglycerate and the solvent. The centrifuge is operated to separate the precipitate from the solvent. Further, an optional recycle stream can be provided for receiving the solvent from the centrifuge and for supplying the solvent to the main reactor. Alternatively, some or all of the recycled solvent can be diverted for one or more other uses. In addition, a dryer can be optionally provided for receiving and drying the 3- phosphoglycerate from the centrifuge. The dryer can use any of a variety of techniques for drying the 3-phosphoglycerate including, but not being limited to, air drying, oven drying, spray drying and combinations thereof.

EXAMPLES

[0063] The following examples are merely illustrative, and do not limit this disclosure in any way.

Reaction Scheme to make 3-Phosphoglycerate:

[0064] The reaction scheme used for making 3-phosphoglycerate in the following examples was:

RuDP + C0₂ + RUBISCO in Trizma + MgCl₂→ 2 moles of 3-Phosphoglycerate wherein:

RuDP: D-Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Sodium Salt Hydrate;

RUBISCO: D-Ribulose 1,5-diphosphate Carboxylase from Spinach;

C0_2: Carbon dioxide;

MgCl₂: Magnesium chloride (0.1M); and

Trizma base 1M solution.

Example 1: Reaction of Carbon Dioxide with 50mg D-Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Sodium Salt Hydrate, D-Ribulose 1,5-Diphosphate Carboxylase and Magnesium Chloride

[0065] A 50mg aliquot of D-Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuDP) was placed in a 50ml three neck round bottom flask, dissolved in 6.5ml of de-ionized water, and mixed with a magnetic stir bar. The air in the flask was replaced with C0₂ on the surface of the solution for 5 minutes and purged for 3 minutes to remove oxygen/air from the solution. [0066] lxlUN of D-Ribulose 1,5 -diphosphate carboxylase from Spinach (RUBISCO) was dissolved in 1ml of Trizma buffer (1M). A 1ml portion of the resulting RUBISCO solution was added to the flask and the reaction mixture was stirred.

[0067] A 0.32ml aliquot of magnesium chloride (0.1M) was added to the flask and the reaction mixture was stirred.

[0068] Carbon dioxide gas was bubbled through the reaction mixture for 6 hours with the addition being monitored through a gas bubbler. The rate of C0₂ addition was adjusted to avoid overflow from foaming of the reaction mixture. After 6 hours, the C0₂ addition was stopped and the reaction mixture was lyophilized.

[0069] The reaction mixture was tested by 1H NMR and the formation of 3-phosphoglycerate was confirmed.

Examples 2-4: Reaction of Carbon Dioxide with 500mg D-Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Sodium Salt Hydrate, D-Ribulose 1,5-Diphosphate Carboxylase and Magnesium Chloride

[0070] The following procedure was repeated three times (Examples 2-4) to verify the reproducibility and consistency of 3-phosphoglycerate formation. For each of Examples 2-4, a 500mg aliquot of D-Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuDP) was placed in a 500ml three neck round bottom flask, dissolved in 65ml of de-ionized water, and mixed. The air in the flask was replaced with C0₂ on the surface of the solution for 5 minutes and purged for 3 minutes to remove oxygen/air from the solution.

[0071] 2x5UN of D-Ribulose 1,5 -diphosphate carboxylase from Spinach (RUBISCO) was dissolved in 2x5ml of Trizma buffer (1M). A 10 ml portion of the resulting RUBISCO solution was added to the flask and the reaction mixture was stirred.

[0072] A 3.2ml aliquot of magnesium chloride (0.1M) was added to the flask and the reaction mixture was stirred.

[0073] Carbon dioxide gas was bubbled through the reaction mixture for 6 hours with the addition being monitored through a gas bubbler. The rate of C0₂ addition was adjusted to avoid overflow from foaming of the reaction mixture. After 6 hours, the C0₂ addition was stopped and the reaction mixture was lyophilized.

[0074] The reaction mixture was tested by 1 H, 13 C and 31 P NMRs and the formation of 3- phosphoglycerate was confirmed.

Example 5: Reaction of ¹³ C labelled Carbon Dioxide with 500mg D-Ribulose 1,5- Bisphosphate Sodium Salt Hydrate, D-Ribulose 1,5-Diphosphate Carboxylase and Magnesium Chloride

[0075] The 500mg scale experiments (Examples 2-4) were repeated using 13 C labelled carbon dioxide. 13 C NMR and mass spectroscopy were used to prove the formation of 3-phosphoglycerate.

Example 6: Reaction of Carbon Dioxide with 500mg D-Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Sodium Salt Hydrate, D-Ribulose 1,5-Diphosphate Carboxylase and Magnesium Chloride with Anti-Foaming Agent

[0076] The procedure of Examples 2-4 was repeated except that an anti-foaming agent was added to the reaction mixture. In particular, a 500mg aliquot of D-Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuDP) was placed in a 500ml three neck round bottom flask, dissolved in 65ml of de-ionized water, and mixed. The air in the flask was replaced with C0₂ on the surface of the solution for 5 minutes and purged for 3 minutes to remove oxygen/air from the solution.

[0077] 2x5UN of D-Ribulose 1,5 -diphosphate carboxylase from Spinach (RUBISCO) was dissolved in 2x5ml of Trizma buffer (1M). A 10 ml portion of the resulting RUBISCO solution was added to the flask and the reaction mixture was stirred.

[0078] A 3.2ml aliquot of magnesium chloride (0.1M) was added to the flask and the reaction mixture was stirred.

[0079] The anti-foaming agent was prepared by diluting Antifoam B Emulsion (Sigma- Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) in a 1: 10 (vol) ratio with cold water. After the addition of magnesium chloride, a 1ml aliquot of the prepared anti-foaming agent was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was then heated to 39°C in a water bath.

[0080] Carbon dioxide gas was bubbled through the reaction mixture for 2 hours with the addition being monitored through a gas bubbler. After 2 hours, the C0₂ addition was stopped and the reaction mixture was lyophilized.

[0081] The reaction mixture was tested by 1H NMR and the formation of 3-phosphoglycerate was confirmed.

[0082] All patents and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference into this application in their entirety and for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of sequestering carbon dioxide comprising:

reacting carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase, and a salt under conditions suitable to form a large scale amount of 3-phosphoglycerate.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic substrate is a D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate sodium salt hydrate.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the carboxylase is a D-ribulose 1,5- diphosphate carboxylase.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the salt is magnesium chloride.

5. The method of any one of claim 1-4, wherein the reacting step is performed in a solution.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the solution comprises a buffer.

7. The method of any one of claims 5 and 6 wherein the solution comprises an anti-foaming agent.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising separating the carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising obtaining the carboxylase from spinach.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising forming the ribulose 1,5- diphosphate carboxylase by a batch process.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising forming the ribulose 1,5- diphosphate carboxylase by a flow process.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the reacting step comprises reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase, and the salt at a temperature of about 15 to about 50°C.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the reacting step comprises reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase, and the salt for about 1 to about 6 hours.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the reacting step comprises reacting carbon dioxide with the organic substrate, the carboxylase, and the salt at a pH of about 6 to about 8.

15. The method of any one of claims 1-14, further comprising the isolating the 3- pho sphoglycerate .

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises separating the 3-phosphoglycerate from a solvent.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises recycling the solvent.

18. The method of any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the solvent is water.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises precipitating the 3-phosphoglycerate.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, wherein the isolating the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises drying the 3-phosphoglycerate.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the drying the 3-phosphoglycerate comprises spray drying the 3-phosphoglycerate.

22. A process for forming a 3-phosphoglycerate comprising:

reacting carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase, and a salt under conditions suitable to form a large scale amount of the 3-phosphoglycerate.

23. A system for sequestering carbon dioxide comprising a main reactor,

wherein the main reactor comprises:

a carbon dioxide inlet for introducing carbon dioxide into the main reactor; and a 3-phosphoglycerate outlet for removing 3-phosphoglycerate from the main reactor,

wherein the main reactor defines a reaction zone for reacting the carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase and a salt.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the reaction zone is at least 100,000L.

25. The system of any one of claims 23 and 24, further comprising a carboxylase inlet for introducing a carboxylase into the main reactor.

26. The system of any one of claims 23-25, further comprising a flow reactor operatively connected to the carboxylase inlet for continuously flowing the carboxylase into the main reactor.

27. The system of any one of claims 23-26, further comprising an anti-foaming agent inlet for introducing an anti-foaming agent into the main reactor.

28. The system of any one of claims 23-27, further comprising a precipitation reactor operatively connected to the 3-phosphoglycerate outlet for receiving a solution comprising the 3-phosphoglycerate and a solvent from the main reactor, wherein the precipitation reactor defines a precipitation zone for reacting the solution with a precipitation agent to form a precipitate comprising the 3-phosphoglycerate.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the precipitation reactor comprises a precipitation agent inlet for introducing the precipitation agent into the precipitation reactor.

30. The system of any one of claims 23-29, further comprising a centrifuge operatively connected to the precipitation reactor for receiving the 3-phosphoglycerate and the solvent and for separating the 3-phosphoglycerate from the solvent.

31. The system of claim 30, further comprising a recycle stream operatively connected to the centrifuge for receiving the solvent and operatively connected to the main reactor for supplying the solvent to the main reactor.

32. The system of any one of claims 30 and 31, further comprising a dryer operatively connected to the centrifuge for receiving and drying the 3-phosphoglycerate.